Liquid dispensing comb

ABSTRACT

Disclosed embodiments describe a device for facilitating the combing of hair. The device includes several teeth extending from a lower side of the device opposite a fluid tight reservoir. The reservoir is adapted to expel a fluid when compressed. During operation the fluid is made to exit the device by compressing the reservoir forcing the fluid out of apertures formed between the teeth the fluid facilitates moving the teeth through hair for easier combing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/409,317 filed Nov. 2, 2010.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments generally relate to a comb. More specifically,exemplary embodiments relate to a liquid dispensing comb that is able tostore and continuously apply a liquid while being disposed through hair.

BACKGROUND

Combs and brushes used for grooming and styling of hair are known in theart. Additionally, fluid-dispensing devices used during the grooming andstyling processes are also known in the art, particularly in medical,cosmetic and pet industries. However, there is still a need for a liquiddispensing comb that is able to store and apply a liquid while the combtravels through the hair of an individual.

In one setting, adults often have to wet and wash a child's hair todetangle the unruly knots that may form, particularly in the case with achild that has longer hair. Furthermore, hair may knot or tangle duringa night's sleep, wherein it is a difficult task for an individual todetangle the hair. As such, many different techniques have been employedto try and help detangle hair without causing a significant amount ofpain that accompanies the detangling process. Also, it may be necessaryto wet and condition hair to combat static problems or other hairconditions. Some known processes to detangle hair are to run a combunder a faucet or use a spray bottle with water to dampen the hairbefore an attempt to detangle.

Devices are known relating to liquid dispensing hairbrushes involving amechanism to spray liquid out of the bristles themselves. Thesehairbrushes utilize a disposable liquid cartridge and a vibrator thatallows the user to spray a liquid and massage the scalp while brushingthe hair. Another hairbrush includes absorbent feeds rods mounted intobores inside the hairbrush bristles. The feed rods connect toroller-ball nozzles located at the end of the bristles in which liquiddisburses over the user's scalp only during contact of the roller-ballswith the scalp. However, these devices relate to hairbrushes and not tocombs.

Device are also known relating to a combination brush and hairspraysystems for the purpose of allowing a user to simultaneously brush andapply hairspray to the hair with only one hand. The devices typicallyincorporate a pump having an electric motor connected to it, whichrequires the use of batteries. However, these devices require manyinternal components that require maintenance and constant repair.

Devices related to fluid dispensing combs, rather than brushes, are alsoknown. Some known devices relate to a fluid dispensing comb that uses anabsorbent pad-type reservoir for storing and dispensing hair products.Other devices are adapted to be used to groom animal hair or fur. Withmany of the known fluid dispensing combs, the combs are designed toinclude detachable or disposable parts, are difficult and costly tomanufacture, and complicated to use.

While the aforementioned devices may be useful for the purposes in whichthey were intended, these devices have some drawbacks. For a number ofreasons, including ease of use and cost-effectiveness, it is becomingincreasingly important to provide a liquid dispensing comb that remediesthe shortcomings of the known art. Additionally, there is an unmet needof providing a comb that facilitates the application of a liquid, suchas a conditioner, to an individual's hair. Furthermore, there is anunmet need of providing a comb that reduces the amount of time and painan individual has to endure to detangle their hair, particularly in thecase of children.

It is therefore an unmet advantage of the prior art to provide a liquiddispensing comb that reliably stores and dispenses liquid to facilitatethe application of liquid, such as conditioner, to detangle hair.

SUMMARY

This and other unmet advantages are provided by the device and methoddescribed and shown in more detail below.

Disclosed embodiments describe a comb for facilitating the combing ofhair. In an embodiment the comb comprises a comb body, a reservoir forstoring a fluid, a plurality of teeth adapted to dispense the fluid whenthe reservoir is compressed. Operationally, the fluid is dispensed whenthe reservoir is compressed optimally while the hair is being brushed inorder to effectively deliver the fluid (most likely a conditioner ordetangler) where such fluids are most needed.

Further embodiments describe a device for dispensing fluid while combinghair, including an elongate comb body, comprising: a backbone runningthe length of the comb body, the backbone comprising a top side and abottom side, a distribution channel extending the length of the top sideof the backbone; a reservoir comprised of a compressible material, influid communication with the distribution channel, the reservoirpositioned on a top side of the comb operable to be compressed directlyby a user; a plurality of teeth positioned along the backbone extendingfrom the bottom side of the backbone in a parallel relation to oneanother, opposite the reservoir; and at least one aperture in fluidcommunication with the reservoir adapted to dispense a fluid.

Further embodiments describe a comb including an aperture formed throughan end of the reservoir and a removable body engaged in the aperture,dispensing holes formed through a surface on at least one of teethwherein the teeth are substantially hollow and define a void in fluidcommunication with the distribution channel, wherein the reservoir andthe comb body form a substantially fluid-tight seal when functionallyjoined.

Further embodiments describe a comb wherein the dispensing holes arepositioned along the interior sides of teeth, such that fluid isdispensed between teeth and/or further including apertures along thebottom surface of the backbone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the disclosed embodiments will be obtainedfrom a reading of the following detailed description and theaccompanying drawings wherein identical reference characters refer toidentical parts and in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the comb;

FIG. 1 a is an expanded view of a portion of the comb;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a front elevated view of an embodiment of the comb;

FIG. 4 is a back elevated view of an embodiment of the comb, with thescrew cap engaged; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side elevation view of an embodiment of the teethof the comb.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an elevation view of an embodiment of a comb 10 for storingand dispensing liquid. The comb is comprised of a reservoir 20 that isadapted to store a liquid, such as hair conditioner, the reservoir isfunctionally attached to the comb body 30. The reservoir is acompressible chamber adapted to release stored liquid into the comb bodywhen compressed. In exemplary embodiments, the reservoir 20 may runsubstantially the length of the comb body 30. However, in otherembodiments, the reservoir 20 may only run a portion of the length ofthe comb body 30, or the reservoir 20 may protrude from either end ifmore liquid is desired to be stored within the comb for use. Althoughthe reservoir 20 may have any number of dimensions, in one particularembodiment, the reservoir 20 is approximately 6 inches long, 1 and ¾inches wide and 1 ½ inches tall.

Exemplary embodiments of the reservoir may be generally attached alongthe length the backbone 35. The backbone of the comb body extendslaterally along a length of the comb body and includes a commondistribution channel 36 running along its length where the reservoirmeets the backbone. As aforementioned, the reservoir 20 may be in fluidconnection with at least a portion of the backbone 35. In someembodiments, the backbone 30 may be in fluid connection alongsubstantially the entire length and/or width of the reservoir 20.

Many materials will be known as useful for the reservoir 20. As molding,and especially injection molding, is an effective manner of formingdevices such as this, thermoplastic materials that are suitable forinjection molding may be preferred. Other aspects of the design decisionas to material will be influenced by further considerations, such as thedesired amount of impact resistance (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrenecopolymers providing exemplary impact resistance), the desiredflexibility of the reservoir (polypropylene providing an exemplaryflexibility) or the desired amount of transparency/opacity of thematerial (wide amount of materials useful). As such, in some exemplaryembodiments, the reservoir 20 may be fabricated from materials that aresubstantially clear so that an individual may be able to see the amountof liquid stored in the comb. However, in other embodiments, thereservoir may be fabricated from materials that are substantially opaquefor liquids that may break down or deteriorate when exposed to sunlightor UV rays.

In exemplary embodiments, a removable body 40 may be reversibly mountedto an aperture 50 to permit the insertion of liquids, such asconditioner, within the reservoir 20. In one particular embodiment, theremovable body is a screw cap that rotatably engages with threading inthe aperture. In another example, a cap may be provided with aninterference fit of the aperture 50 to facilitate the insertion andfollowing storage of the liquid within the reservoir 20 during use ofthe comb 10. Other conventional means for securing the removable bodymay be used to allow access of fluid insertion within the reservoir.Exemplary embodiments of the removable body and corresponding aperturemay be positioned at different sites on the reservoir, although oneexample has the aperture located on the distal end of the reservoir andbackbone. Additionally, in some exemplary embodiments more than oneaperture and corresponding removable body may be used.

As aforementioned, exemplary embodiments of the comb 10 include abackbone 30. In exemplary embodiments, the backbone 30 is attached withthe reservoir 20 by a press fit or other means of attachment. However,in other exemplary embodiments, the backbone may be integral with thereservoir. The comb body further includes a plurality of substantiallyparallel teeth 60 that extend from the comb body opposite the reservoir.Exemplary embodiments of the comb body include one or more apertures 32through which the liquid stored in the in reservoir may dispense. Inexemplary embodiments, the apertures may be located on the bottom faceof the backbone 30 between sets of teeth that extend from the backbone30.

FIG. 1 a shows a view of a section of the teeth. In an embodiment theteeth may further include dispensing holes 64. Exemplary embodiments ofthe dispensing holes 64 may be positioned on the internal sides of theexternal teeth and on both sides of the remaining teeth. Optionally, theapertures are oriented to deliver fluid between the teeth and in adirection perpendicular to the axis defined by the length of the teeth.However, in other embodiments, the dispensing holes may be positionedupwardly to inhibit the flow of the liquid during the non-use of thecomb. In other exemplary embodiments, the dispensing holes may bepositioned to face downwardly to promote the flow of liquid during useof the comb. The dispensing holes may be substantially round incross-sectional area, but may also be other shapes or geometries, ifdesired.

The size of the dispensing holes may be substantially similar or mayvary, depending upon the amount of liquid desired to be dispensed atvarious locations on the comb.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of an embodiment of the comb. In thisembodiment, the removable body 40 is fitted in an aperture 40 formedthrough the reservoir 20.

FIGS. 3 and 4 together show opposite ends of the comb 10 as seen fromthe side. FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the removable body 40 fittedinto an aperture (not shown). In an embodiment the reservoir 20 and thecomb body 30 come together to form a substantially fluid-tight sealalong a length of the comb. In an embodiment, the reservoir and backbone35 come together to define a substantially rectangular cross-section.Further, the teeth 60 have a substantially pyramidal cross-section.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, embodiments of the comb 10 include teeth 60which substantially define hollowed voids 62 that are in fluidcommunication with the distribution channel of the backbone. Thehollowed cores are in fluid communication with the distribution channelof the backbone. In operation, when the reservoir is compressed, thefluid within the reservoir is forced into the common distributionchannel and along the backbone. Once in the channel, the fluid willdistribute among the plurality of hollow cores. The fluid may also exitthe comb via the apertures 32. FIGS. 3-5 show that embodiments of theone or more teeth 60 may be substantially pyramidal in geometry. Thepyramidal geometry may allow extra capacity of the liquid to be suppliedto an individual's hair. Additionally, the pyramidal geometry mayfacilitate the application of the liquid by forcing a hair to contact alarger surface area of the teeth from which the liquid is dispensingduring use of the comb 10. Although exemplary embodiments are pyramidal,other embodiments of the teeth 60 may be substantially round, conical orother geometries and shapes.

Many materials will be known as useful for the comb body 30 and teeth60. As molding, and especially injection molding, is an effective mannerof forming devices such as this, thermoplastic materials that aresuitable for injection molding may be preferred. Other aspects of thedesign decision as to material will be influenced by furtherconsiderations, such as the desired amount of impact resistance(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers providing exemplary impactresistance), the desired flexibility of the backbone and teeth(polypropylene providing an exemplary flexibility) or the desired amountof transparency/opacity of the material (wide amount of materialsuseful). As such, in some exemplary embodiments, the backbone and teethmay be fabricated from materials that are substantially clear so that anindividual may be able to see the amount of residual liquid stored inthe comb. However, in other embodiments, the backbone and teeth may befabricated from materials that are substantially opaque for liquids thatmay break down or deteriorate when exposed to sunlight or UV rays.

During use of the comb, a user may introduce a liquid within thereservoir by disengaging the screw cap. Once liquid is in the reservoir,an opening at the bottom surface of the backbone allows the contentswithin to empty. In one example, the liquid is dispensed by squeezingthe reservoir laterally in the direction of the teeth when the comb isheld upright and when the teeth are held downward further aided bygravity. Additionally, a user may facilitate the dispensing of theliquid by squeezing at least a portion of the reservoir to induce thedispersion of liquid from the holes of the teeth and/or the apertures ofthe backbone. In one example, an individual may fill the comb 10 with aform of conditioner, wherein the individual may use the comb in a showersetting. The individual may use the comb in a normal technique and onlydispense conditioner whenever the individual encounters a knot or othertangle in the hair. The conditioner may aid the detangling of the hair.

Having shown and described a preferred embodiment of the invention,those skilled in the art will realize that many variations andmodifications may be made to affect the described invention and still bewithin the scope of the claimed invention. Thus, many of the elementsindicated above may be altered or replaced by different elements whichwill provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimedinvention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention onlyas indicated by the scope of the claims.

1. A device for dispensing fluid while combing hair, comprising: anelongate comb body, comprising: a backbone running the length of thecomb body, the backbone comprising a top side and a bottom side, and adistribution channel extending the length of the top side of thebackbone; a reservoir comprised of a compressible material, in fluidcommunication with the distribution channel, the reservoir positioned ona top side of the comb operable to be compressed directly by a user; aplurality of teeth positioned along the backbone extending from thebottom side of the backbone in a parallel relation to one another,opposite the reservoir; at least one aperture in fluid communicationwith the reservoir adapted to dispense a fluid.
 2. The device of claim 1further comprising an aperture formed through an end of the reservoirand a removable body engaged in the aperture.
 3. The device of claim 2further comprising dispensing holes formed through a surface on at leastone of the teeth.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the teeth aresubstantially hollow and define a void in fluid communication with thedistribution channel.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein the reservoir isremovable attached along the length of the backbone.
 6. The device ofclaim 5 wherein the reservoir and the comb body form a substantiallyfluid-tight seal when attached.
 7. The device of claim 6 wherein thedispensing holes are positioned along the interior sides of teeth, suchthat fluid is dispensed between teeth.
 8. The device of claim 7 whereinthe dispensing holes are angled to dispense fluid toward the backbone.9. The device of claim 7 further including apertures along the bottomsurface of the backbone.
 10. The device of claim 9 wherein the teeth aresubstantially pyramidal in cross-section.
 11. The device of claim 1further comprising dispensing holes formed through a surface on at leastone of the teeth.
 12. The device of claim 1 wherein the teeth aresubstantially hollow and define a void in fluid communication with thedistribution channel.
 13. The device of claim 1 wherein the reservoir isremovable attached along the length of the backbone.
 14. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the reservoir and the comb body form a substantiallyfluid-tight seal when attached.
 15. The device of claim 1 wherein thedispensing holes are positioned along the interior sides of teeth, suchthat fluid is dispensed between teeth.
 16. The device of claim 1 whereinthe dispensing holes are angled to dispense fluid toward the backbone.17. The device of claim 1 further including apertures along the bottomsurface of the backbone.
 18. The device of claim 1 wherein the teeth aresubstantially pyramidal in cross-section.